Sheriff: thanks for being responsible

BATON ROUGE- Fewer people requested the help of the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff's office during the recent freeze but more deputies were utilized to deal with traffic issues the sheriff said Wednesday.

Thirty-three extra deputies were used to patrol roads and reserve deputies were also asked to supplement efforts on bridges and roads, Sheriff Sid Gautreaux said.

"I would like to commend the men and women of the Sheriff's Office as well as all other first responders for their efforts during the past forty-eight hours serving the community throughout inclement weather," the sheriff said.

"They have done an outstanding job responding to calls and monitoring the roadways."

Despite the warning, some people traveled on slick highways and the sheriff's office responded to thirty-three minor vehicle accidents. But, the sheriff was satisfied with how responsible people were.

"I'd like to also commend the residents of this parish for heading warnings and staying put during the height of storm," Sheriff Gautreaux said.

Louisiana State Police responded to more than 300 crashes in the state due to the weather.***********Follow the publisher of this post on Twitter: @treyschmaltz